Trstenik, peninsula Peljesac, Croatia

On the southern side of the peninsula Pelješac is one of the most picturesque landscapes of southern Dalmatia. In a deep bay called Zuljana (near, there is the place called Zuljana itself), there is a nice village named Trstenik, initially located in the inland, a little further from the sea, and with the passage of time more and more residents were approaching the sea and in this way Trstenik became an export port for famous Peljesac wines “Dingac” and “Postup” that are produced in close proximity. These wines are made from grape variety "Plavac Mali". “Postup” and “Dingac” are names of unique local vineyards that give the best wine out of “Plavac Mali” variety. These localities are special in that they are so steep that do not allow any machining, but that the entire work executed manually, as it was since the beginning of history. But because of this steep terrain slope the sun shines even more on these sites and this is one of the most important characteristics for the production of extra quality grapes. With blue sea below and white mountains above, reflection further increases the amount of sunlight, and ensure the highest quality grapes. Add to this sandy soil which is perfect for grape growing and small amount of rain, and you have best wine growing area in Croatia.

Trstenik area, Pijavicino, Potomje and Podobuce is the most significant Croatian wine growing area. Add to this the person of great Mike Grgic, who was born on the peninsula and finished enological school in Zagreb, only to emigrate to California and there found a variety “Plavac Mali”, which his ancestors brought and planted in California, emigrating because of economically reasons in the United States. Americans called this variety “Zinfandel”, but Mike Grgich knew this variety because it grew on the Peljesac peninsula where he was born and was sure that it was “Plavac Mali”. After a long work, in the year of 1973. he made the best Chardonnay in the world out of “Zinfandel” variety, and for the first time beating France's wine makers. Completion of this fascinating story and the crown of Mike Grgich’s hard work occurred around 10 years ago, when DNA research has proven without a shadow of a doubt that “Plavac Mali” is “Zinfandel’s” genetic parent.

In the spirit of this incredible story we invite you to visit this unique wine growing area, and experience the unity of man and nature, hard work, laughter, tears and sweat, which the winegrowers from Peljesac fed this most noble plant - traces of which lead us back up to the beginning of civilization and life in these areas. We invite you to visit some of many wine cellars and family farms in the area Trstenik, where you can taste this special wine and many other gastronomic specialties of this unique and beautiful region.